Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, one of the six rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs, on Sunday announced his decision to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing a shortage of funds for constituency development and alleged abusive remarks by senior party leader Sanjay Raut.
Ashtikar explains his decision
In a video posted on social media, the Hingoli MP stated, "The work of party workers is not being done as we are not on the side of power. People elected us with a lot of expectations, and getting their work done is my job. But I was not getting any development funds. The Rs 5 crore MPLADS fund is very limited. Considering these factors, I have taken this decision. We need funds, and I have taken this step. I will keep working for the people, and I will complete the responsibility assigned to me by the people."
Timing and context of the switch
Ashtikar's remarks were his first since speculation about "Operation Tiger" and a possible split in the Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party began circulating. He clarified that he and some other MPs had not made any decision until June 18. However, he cited "certain remarks" made against them since Thursday, which convinced them to leave the party.
Sanjay Raut's role
Ashtikar's reference to "certain remarks" is widely seen as a response to senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who had used abusive language against the dissident MPs during a press conference. "I, and some other MPs (of Sena-UBT), had not made any decision until June 18. We had not gone anywhere. However, certain remarks were made against us since Thursday, which made us believe that there is no point in staying here (Sena-UBT)," Ashtikar added.
Impact on Shiv Sena (UBT)
Ashtikar's defection is part of a larger trend, with six of the party's 19 Lok Sabha MPs reportedly in touch with the Shinde faction. The move weakens the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction and strengthens the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which has been consolidating its position ahead of upcoming elections.
